US20030201075A1 - Reinforced support element for wall panel arrangement - Google Patents
Reinforced support element for wall panel arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030201075A1 US20030201075A1 US10/134,043 US13404302A US2003201075A1 US 20030201075 A1 US20030201075 A1 US 20030201075A1 US 13404302 A US13404302 A US 13404302A US 2003201075 A1 US2003201075 A1 US 2003201075A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support
- post
- wall
- pair
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000003319 supportive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 14
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000011162 core material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011094 fiberboard Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008676 import Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010422 painting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008707 rearrangement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2/7407—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts
- E04B2/7416—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers
- E04B2/7433—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with panels and support posts
- E04B2/7437—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge assembled using frames with infill panels or coverings only; made-up of panels and a support structure incorporating posts with free upper edge, e.g. for use as office space dividers with panels and support posts with panels hooked onto posts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/7479—Details of connection of flexible sheets to frame or posts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/74—Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge
- E04B2002/7487—Partitions with slotted profiles
Definitions
- This invention relates to an upright support element or post defining an attachment point for a load-bearing hanger-type connector, which may be utilized in a space-dividing wall panel system.
- the wall panel system is typically formed from a plurality of individual upright wall panels which are appropriately joined together either directly or through intermediate connecting structures, such as upright connectors or support posts.
- the wall panels are appropriately arranged into desired geometrical configurations to define work spaces for individual occupants.
- the individual wall panels conventionally join in aligned relationship, and also traditionally connect at corners which define two, three or four-panel connections.
- Such wall panels are typically less than floor-to-ceiling height, and cooperate with other furniture components to define an equipped workstation.
- These components may include worksurfaces, file cabinets, shelf units and the like which mount directly on and are supported by the wall panels, and may also include freestanding furniture components such as tables, chairs and file cabinets.
- the individual panel assemblies have a variety of configurations.
- the individual panels are supported directly in load-bearing relationship with a floor by support feet or glides.
- serially-adjacent panel assemblies are interconnected through intermediate upright supports or connector posts which bear the weight of the panels and in turn are maintained in load-bearing engagement with the floor.
- the present invention is concerned with improvements in the latter type of panel arrangement, but is equally applicable to various types of structures which utilize an upright support element defining an attachment point for securement of a component by means of a load-bearing hanger-type connecting structure. These types of structures may include scaffolding, shelves, racks, or even enclosures of the temporary type.
- the individual posts are typically tubular in configuration and include a plurality of openings which communicate with the hollow interior of the post. These openings are disposed in vertically spaced relation with one another along the length of the post and receive therein hangers or hooks associated with office-type accessories, such as shelving, storage units and the like, which are to be mounted to the upright panel assembly. These openings may also accommodate hangers of cover pads or panels which are secured between a pair of adjacent posts in stackable-type panel systems.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,485 discloses such a support post designed to connect between upright side frame members of two adjacent wall panel assemblies.
- the post is defined by a pair of U-shaped channel members positioned in opposed relation so that the respective legs thereof overlap one another on opposite sides of the post.
- the overlapped legs are then welded to fix the channel members to one another.
- These overlapped areas of the two opposed channel members define therein a vertical row of openings for accommodating hangers.
- the load-bearing areas of the post adjacent the hanger-receiving openings are reinforced due to the double-wall construction of the post at these openings.
- the two-piece construction of the post and the double wall configuration along the two side walls thereof is costly from a manufacturing standpoint with respect to materials and assembly, and also results in increased weight of the post.
- an object of the invention to provide an improved structural support or post capable of accommodating a load-bearing element associated with a component to be mounted on the post, which post utilizes a one-piece thinner wall construction to reduce materials, weight and assembly time, yet provides significant load-bearing capabilities at the load bearing points along the post.
- the post according to the invention is of a one-piece tubular construction with a continuous side wall, which is preferably formed by roll-forming.
- the post includes a pair of opposed side walls, each of which defines therein a row of vertically spaced hanger-receiving openings.
- the side walls are deformed during manufacturing to define an inwardly projecting dimple disposed along a load-bearing edge of each of the respective openings.
- the dimples accordingly provide increased strength at the attachment points along the post, and effectively increase the wall thickness of the post adjacent the openings so as to accommodate standard mounting hangers or hooks associated with office-type accessories or other elements to be supported on the post.
- the post according to the invention may be utilized in a space-dividing wall panel arrangement which mounts on and projects upwardly from a floor for dividing an open area into a plurality of smaller working areas.
- the post is disposed in load-bearing relation with the floor and interconnects two serially-adjacent panel assemblies to one another.
- the post is sandwiched between the upright edges or edge frames of the respective panel assemblies so that the vertical rows of hanger-receiving openings are exposed for receiving conventional hangers associated with furniture components such as cabinets or the like.
- the post can mount thereon cover pads typically associated with stackable-type panel systems, wherein the cover pads are mounted between two adjacent upright posts by inserting the hangers or connectors disposed along the opposite upright edges of the cover pad into the openings defined in the outwardly facing sides of the adjacent horizontally-spaced posts.
- the post according to the invention may also be utilized in other types of structures which incorporate an upright support which defines at least one attachment point therealong for connection to a further load-bearing component.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view which illustrates several panel assemblies joined together to define at least part of an upright space-dividing wall system according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along line 2 - 2 in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, exploded side elevational view of two adjacent panel assemblies and an intermediate support post;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary detail view of the outwardly facing side of the support post illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along line 5 - 5 in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary view illustrating a bayonet-type connection
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line 7 - 7 in FIG. 6;
- FIG. 8 is a diagrammatical illustration of a forming process and apparatus which may be utilized to form the post according to the present invention, which shows the process and apparatus from one side of the initially supplied steel sheet.
- an upright space-dividing wall system 11 which system 11 is formed from a plurality of upright space-dividing panel assemblies 12 joined together in a series arrangement to define individual workstations.
- the panel assemblies 12 are typically joined in either aligned (i.e. end-to-end) relationship, or in perpendicular relationship with end edges of two panel assemblies 12 being disposed closely adjacent one another, such arrangements being conventional.
- the individual panel assemblies 12 typically have a height which is significantly less than floor-to-ceiling height, whereby the panel assemblies 12 are supported on and project upwardly from the floor, with upper edges of the panel assemblies 12 being spaced downwardly a significant distance from the ceiling.
- the sizes of such panel assemblies 12 in terms of widths and heights, are conventional.
- each pair of adjacent aligned panel assemblies 12 is connected together by a post-type connector arrangement 13 , as discussed below.
- Each panel assembly 12 has large width and height dimensions as compared to the thickness dimension thereof, and includes a generally rectangular and ring-like frame 15 defined by generally parallel and horizontally elongated top and bottom frame members or rails 20 which are rigidly joined together at opposite ends thereof by generally parallel and vertically elongated side frame members or rails 21 .
- the frame members 20 and 21 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, are each of generally identical or similar cross-section, and are of a generally outwardly-opening channel-like configuration. For simplicity, only side frame members 21 are illustrated and discussed below.
- each frame member 21 includes a pair of generally parallel side walls 23 .
- Each side wall 23 at an outermost edge thereof, is bent outwardly through about a 900 angle to form a flange 24 which defines the end edge of the panel assembly 12 .
- the flanges 24 extend along all of the frame members 20 and 21 and hence define a generally rectangular ring-like rim.
- Each flange 24 is in turn joined to a generally U-shaped shaped part 25 which is spaced sidewardly and inwardly from the respective flange 24 .
- U-shaped parts 25 define therein a channel or groove 26 which extends throughout the elongated length of the respective frame member and opens outwardly.
- Each U-shaped part 25 is bent over upon itself to form a wall 30 generally parallel to side walls 23 , and an outer wall 31 extends between and interconnects the walls 30 .
- Outer wall 31 and walls 30 together define an outwardly-opening mouth or channel.
- the ring-like frame 15 surrounds and confines a core structure 32 which fills the interior of frame 15 (FIG. 2).
- the core structure 32 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a sheet of paper or expanded honeycomb, although other conventional core materials can be utilized if desired.
- the frame 15 and core structure 32 are sandwiched between a pair of plate-like side members 33 , the latter being of generally rectangular configuration so as to cover substantially the entire opposite sides of the panel assembly 12 .
- the side members 33 directly overlie and are preferably adhesively secured to opposite side surfaces of the frame members 20 and 21 (i.e.
- the plate-like side members 33 in the illustrated embodiment are of a one-piece lamina of what is conventionally referred to as mineral or fiberboard.
- This fiberboard provides a relatively rigid and stiff lamina but possesses physical properties which enable it to function in a highly desirable manner as a tack board.
- the fiberboard additionally provides desirable acoustical properties, and specifically sound-absorption properties.
- the side members 33 are preferably covered by a thin layer of fiberglass (not shown), typically of lesser thickness than the side member 33 , which fiberglass layer extends over the outer surface of the side member 33 .
- the panel assembly 12 is additionally provided with exterior coverings over the laminate defined by the side members 33 and the fiberglass layers, which coverings in the illustrated embodiment comprise large sheets of thin but flexible fabric 34 which are stretched across and entirely cover the outer vertical side faces of the panel assembly.
- This fabric sheet 34 has edge portions 35 which wrap exteriorly around each of the frame member flanges 24 and fold into the groove 26 , with the fabric edge portion 35 being suitably secured within groove 26 by a retaining element 40 , as is conventional.
- the top of the panel assembly 12 can have a top cap 41 which spans the width of the top edge of the panel assembly 12 and closes off the mouth defined therein.
- the lower edge of the panel assembly 12 may also include a raceway arrangement 42 which defines an interior channel and extends lengthwise along the lower edge of the respective panel assembly 12 . It will be appreciated that cabling may be stored or disposed within this interior channel of the raceway arrangement 42 , and also within the hollow areas of the top and side frame members 20 and 21 , as is conventional.
- this arrangement 13 includes a vertically elongate and generally tubular support element or post 51 , which is designed to connect between the side frame members 21 of two adjacent panel assemblies 12 as discussed below.
- the post 51 in the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of generally parallel side walls 52 which face the respective side frame members 21 of two serially adjacent panel assemblies 12 when the post 51 is interposed therebetween, and two face walls 53 which extend transversely between and interconnect the side walls 52 .
- Each of the side walls 52 define therein a pair of vertically spaced openings 54 at least adjacent the upper ends thereof (FIG. 5).
- the openings 54 in the opposed side walls 52 are horizontally aligned with one another and are utilized to interconnect the respective panel assemblies 12 to the post 51 as discussed further below.
- the post 51 has a lower end or foot 55 which mounts thereon a pair of arms or connectors 56 which extend outwardly and upwardly from the respective side walls 52 of the post 51 .
- These connectors 56 respectively define generally horizontally extending and upwardly opening channels 57 on opposite sides of the post 51 .
- the lower end 55 additionally includes a downwardly projecting rod 57 A having its lower end fixed to an enlarged foot or glide 58 adapted for direct supportive engagement with the floor.
- the rod 57 A can threadingly engage within an opening in the foot 55 so as to allow for height adjustment of the post 51 relative to the glide 58 .
- a panel lock or connector 59 is supported on each of the panel assemblies 12 adjacent the upper corners thereof, as shown in FIG. 3.
- a single connector post 51 is provided and cooperates directly between the adjacent upright end edges of two panel assemblies 12 to rigidly join same to one another.
- the lower corners of the panel assemblies 12 are seated within the respective channels 57 of foot 55 and the upper edges of the panel assemblies 12 are secured to the respective side walls 52 of post 51 by the panel locks 59 .
- the attachment of the respective panel assemblies 12 to the connector post 51 is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,485 (which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein). It will be appreciated that other types of connections may be utilized to secure panel assemblies 12 to post 51 .
- the post 51 With each pair of aligned panel assemblies 12 joined through a single connector post 51 , the post 51 is sandwiched within a generally rectangular opening defined by the sidewardly opening mouths of the respective side frame members 21 of the two adjacent panel assemblies 12 so as to be effectively hidden between the panel assemblies 12 , the latter having the vertical end edges thereof disposed closely adjacent and separated from one another by a vertically extending clearance gap or slot 60 , as illustrated in FIG. 2.
- the face walls 53 of post 51 each define therein a plurality of slot-like openings 61 extending therethrough and providing access into the hollow interior of post 51 .
- the slot-like openings 61 are vertically elongated and are vertically spaced from one another along substantially the entire vertical extent of post 51 , and each opening 61 is defined by a pair of upright and generally parallel side edges 67 and a pair of generally horizontal and generally parallel top and bottom edges 68 which extend transversely between the respective side edges 67 .
- the gap 60 is directly aligned with the slot-like openings 61 provided in the support post 51 so that conventional hangers 69 (see FIG. 5) associated with furniture components or accessories such as cabinets can be positioned adjacent the side surface of the panel assembly 12 , with the hangers 69 of the accessory projecting through the gap 60 for engagement within corresponding openings 61 .
- the weight of the components is transmitted directly to the panel connecting posts 51 which in turn directly supportingly engage the floor, and hence the weight or load of the accessories is not imposed on the panel assemblies 12 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional shelf unit 70 which may be utilized with the present invention.
- the illustrated shelf unit 70 includes a pair of upright end walls 71 and a generally horizontally oriented shelf 72 which extends between and interconnects the end walls 71 .
- the rearwardly facing sides of each of the end walls 71 mount thereon hangers 69 which project rearwardly and are vertically spaced from one another as shown in FIG. 5.
- the hangers 69 of the shelf unit 70 at each end thereof engage within corresponding openings 61 of two serially adjacent posts 51 so that the shelf unit 70 extends transversely between the posts 51 and is positioned so as to project sidewardly from the vertical side surface of the panel assembly 12 .
- other components may be mounted on panel assembly 12 , such as a worksurface or a cabinet. These components would be mounted in a manner similar to that described above with respect to shelf unit 70 .
- the post 51 incorporates therein an improved arrangement which provides reinforcement at or adjacent the load-bearing areas therealong. More specifically, the post 51 defines dimples or deformed areas 75 therein which extend transversely across both the upper and lower edges 68 of each opening 61 . As shown in FIG. 5, the inward deformation or dimpling of the material of the face wall 53 of the post 51 results in inwardly projecting ribs 76 which extend transversely across the face wall 53 along the top and bottom edges 68 of each slot-like opening 61 .
- the ribs 76 project inwardly into the hollow interior of the post 51 , and thus a transversely extending recess 77 is defined along the outer side of the post 51 opposite each of the ribs 76 .
- the dimples 75 extend sidewardly beyond the vertical side edges 67 of each of the respective openings 61 , and each dimple 75 has a horizontal length which is significantly greater than half of the horizontal width of the post 51 as measured between vertical edges of the respective face walls 53 thereof.
- the inwardly projecting ribs 76 effectively increase the wall thickness A (FIG. 5) of the respective face walls 53 along the upper and lower edges of each of the openings 61 , and the thickness A is approximately twice as great as the thickness of the post in non-dimpled areas.
- the post illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,485 has a greater wall thickness at the slot-like openings due to the double-wall construction of the post adjacent these openings, as discussed above.
- the post 51 provided with the dimples according to the invention has a wall thickness adjacent the openings 61 which is equivalent to the post of the ' 485 patent, which allows the post 51 to accommodate the slot width of standardized accessory hangers 69 .
- post 51 pursuant to the invention is also suitable for attachment to panel assemblies 12 of different heights, simply by providing additional pairs of upper and lower openings 54 in post 51 at the appropriate height to accommodate standard panel heights.
- the post 51 according to the invention may also be utilized with stackable-type panel systems, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,349,516 and 5,806, 258, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- the panel system disclosed in the '516 patent includes at least one base panel which is supported on opposite ends thereof by a pair of upright lower support posts.
- one or more extension panel assemblies are stacked atop the base panel. More specifically, in order to build up a base panel, a pair of extension posts or poles are coaxially inserted within open upper ends of the respective lower support posts, and a cross rail is connected between the spaced-apart pair of extension posts. Cover pads are then mounted to the frame defined by the support posts and cross rails.
- the lower ends of the extension posts each define thereon a bayonet-type connector which engages within the open upper end of the lower support post such that the extension post extends upwardly therefrom.
- the post 51 according to the invention may be utilized as a lower support post in a stackable-type system, or as an extension post. In the latter case, the foot 55 would obviously be omitted and a bayonet connector provided in place thereof.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a pair of vertically-stacked posts 51 A and 51 B configured with dimples 75 according to the invention, wherein the posts 51 A and 51 B may represent an extension post and a lower support post, respectively, or alternatively a pair of extension posts which permit vertical extension of a lower support post.
- the upper post 51 A mounts thereon a bayonet connector 80 defined by a pair of generally parallel and downwardly projecting flanges 81 .
- the flanges 81 of connector 80 extend downwardly into the open upper end of lower post 51 B so that same are generally parallel to the respective side walls 52 of lower post 51 B and extend transversely between the ribs 76 of the opposed face walls 53 thereof.
- FIG. 6 also illustrates a pair of cams 82 provided at the upper ends of the respective flanges 81 which serve to align the upper and lower posts 51 A and 51 B with one another and correctly center the flanges 81 of upper post 51 A within the lower post 51 B so that the flanges 81 are correctly positioned between the opposed ribs 76 of lower post 51 B.
- the inward projection of ribs 76 and also the transverse extension of each of the dimples 75 across the majority of the width of the respective face walls 53 permits snug engagement of the bayonet connector 80 of the upper post 51 A within lower post 51 B.
- the slot-like openings 61 of post 51 can be utilized for mounting hooks or hangers associated with the cross rail of the extension panel assembly illustrated in the '516 and '258 patents, and also to mount hooks associated with cover pads which are typically utilized in stackable-type panel arrangements, such as that illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 6,256,941, also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- the post 51 according to the invention may be utilized in arrangements other than a space-dividing wall system.
- the post may form part of a rack or shelf system, or in scaffolding arrangements which typically utilize upright supports which in turn permit attachment of horizontal supports thereto.
- the instant invention may also be utilized in temporary-type enclosed structures, such as stands, booths, etc.
- the post 51 according to the invention is a one-piece, roll-formed tube having a continuous sidewall construction as defined by the side and face walls 52 and 53 , and less material is therefore required to form the post which in turn reduces manufacturing costs. While the post 51 has a thinner wall due to the continuous wall construction preferably formed in one-piece by being roll-formed from thin flat sheet steel, the dimples 75 provide the post 51 with increased strength and rigidity at the load-bearing openings 61 .
- the elongate tubular post of the present invention is preferably formed from a flat steel sheet utilizing a roll forming process, as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 8, so that the resulting tubular post hence is of substantially uniform thickness throughout and yet is free of or has only minimal internal stresses of the type which result from more conventional metal stamping or die forming processes typically used to form posts of this type. It will be appreciated that the post according to the invention has a uniform wall thickness throughout, and as shown in FIG. 5, the wall thickness of the post at the dimpled areas is uniform with the wall thickness in non-dimpled areas.
- a supply station 101 for supplying sheet steel, preferably a substantially continuous and elongate strip of sheet steel S.
- the sheet steel at supply station 101 is typically provided in the form of a conventional coil 102 wherein the sheet steel is effectively spirally wound, with the coil being appropriately rotatably supported on a conventional coil stand 103 .
- the thin and relatively flexible sheet steel S is withdrawn from the coil 102 by a drive device 104 , which can also function to effect straightening of the sheet steel.
- a further drive device 105 is spaced downstream from the drive 104 and is separated therefrom to define a takeup region 106 which enables a suspended loop of sheet metal to be formed therebetween to compensate for different driving speeds of the sheet metal by the drives 104 and 105 .
- the drive device 105 in turn drives the sheet steel S into and through a working station 107 , such as a punch press or the like, which effects forming of all openings and notches, as well as any cuts or slits, in the flat sheet S.
- the steel sheet S is momentarily stopped during closure of the punch press 107 so that this press simultaneously effects forming of all of the openings and notches associated with the entire post, and in addition effects forming of the dimples 75 adjacent the opposite edges of the slot-like openings 61 .
- the sheet steel S is advanced toward a conventional roll-forming mill 112 which includes a plurality of sequential rolling stations 113 disposed in adjacent relationship along the downstream moving direction of the sheet S.
- Each station 113 typically includes opposed upper and lower forming rollers which engage opposite sides of the sheet S to progressively deform the sheet S from its flat condition into the desired three-dimensional shape or profile.
- the roll-forming mill 112 with its rollers pulls the sheet steel S into and through the rolling stations 113 at a substantially constant rate and the intermittent driving of the sheet S upstream of the punch press 107 by drive device 105 causes the formation of a further takeup loop 111 between punch press 107 and rolling mill 112 .
- the rolling mill 112 progressively deforms the sheet which, when fed into the first station of the mill is of a relatively flat sheet-like configuration, into a three-dimensional configuration which, upon leaving the mill, has a generally closed tubular cross-section or profile substantially as described above.
- the formed, nonflat three-dimensional profile as it departs the rolling mill is designated P in FIG. 8 since the steel sheet is no longer flat.
- the formed three-dimensional profile P having a substantially tubular cross-section is then fed continuously into and through a welding station 114 which effects forming of a continuous seam weld along the abutting edges of the roll-formed closed tubular profile, which seam is preferably positioned in the vicinity of one of the corners of the profile.
- the welded profile P is then forwarded in a continuous manner into and through a surface treating station 115 , which may effect either painting or powder coating of the continuous profile P as it moves into and through the station 115 .
- Such surface treating equipment is conventional and well known.
- the painted or coated continuous profile P is then moved in a continuous manner into a cutting station 116 which sequentially causes the continuous profile P to be transversely cut or severed into individual elongate workpieces which define the desired finished post.
- the punch press 107 is adjusted so as to permit punching of a profile corresponding to a post of desired length, with the remainder of the process being otherwise identical to the process as summarized above.
- the punch press 107 can be defined by a plurality of modules which can be readily connected or disconnected so as to define a punching pattern corresponding to a family of different post lengths.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Panels For Use In Building Construction (AREA)
- Assembled Shelves (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to an upright support element or post defining an attachment point for a load-bearing hanger-type connector, which may be utilized in a space-dividing wall panel system.
- Numerous wall panel systems have been developed for use in dividing large open office areas into smaller work spaces. The wall panel system is typically formed from a plurality of individual upright wall panels which are appropriately joined together either directly or through intermediate connecting structures, such as upright connectors or support posts. The wall panels are appropriately arranged into desired geometrical configurations to define work spaces for individual occupants. In this regard, the individual wall panels conventionally join in aligned relationship, and also traditionally connect at corners which define two, three or four-panel connections. Such wall panels are typically less than floor-to-ceiling height, and cooperate with other furniture components to define an equipped workstation. These components may include worksurfaces, file cabinets, shelf units and the like which mount directly on and are supported by the wall panels, and may also include freestanding furniture components such as tables, chairs and file cabinets.
- In known panel arrangements, the individual panel assemblies have a variety of configurations. For example, in some arrangements, the individual panels are supported directly in load-bearing relationship with a floor by support feet or glides. In other arrangements, serially-adjacent panel assemblies are interconnected through intermediate upright supports or connector posts which bear the weight of the panels and in turn are maintained in load-bearing engagement with the floor. The present invention is concerned with improvements in the latter type of panel arrangement, but is equally applicable to various types of structures which utilize an upright support element defining an attachment point for securement of a component by means of a load-bearing hanger-type connecting structure. These types of structures may include scaffolding, shelves, racks, or even enclosures of the temporary type.
- In wall panel arrangements which utilize intermediate support elements or posts between serially-adjacent wall panels, the individual posts are typically tubular in configuration and include a plurality of openings which communicate with the hollow interior of the post. These openings are disposed in vertically spaced relation with one another along the length of the post and receive therein hangers or hooks associated with office-type accessories, such as shelving, storage units and the like, which are to be mounted to the upright panel assembly. These openings may also accommodate hangers of cover pads or panels which are secured between a pair of adjacent posts in stackable-type panel systems.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,485 discloses such a support post designed to connect between upright side frame members of two adjacent wall panel assemblies. The post is defined by a pair of U-shaped channel members positioned in opposed relation so that the respective legs thereof overlap one another on opposite sides of the post. The overlapped legs are then welded to fix the channel members to one another. These overlapped areas of the two opposed channel members define therein a vertical row of openings for accommodating hangers. Thus, the load-bearing areas of the post adjacent the hanger-receiving openings are reinforced due to the double-wall construction of the post at these openings. However, the two-piece construction of the post and the double wall configuration along the two side walls thereof is costly from a manufacturing standpoint with respect to materials and assembly, and also results in increased weight of the post.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved structural support or post capable of accommodating a load-bearing element associated with a component to be mounted on the post, which post utilizes a one-piece thinner wall construction to reduce materials, weight and assembly time, yet provides significant load-bearing capabilities at the load bearing points along the post.
- More specifically, the post according to the invention is of a one-piece tubular construction with a continuous side wall, which is preferably formed by roll-forming. The post includes a pair of opposed side walls, each of which defines therein a row of vertically spaced hanger-receiving openings. The side walls are deformed during manufacturing to define an inwardly projecting dimple disposed along a load-bearing edge of each of the respective openings. The dimples accordingly provide increased strength at the attachment points along the post, and effectively increase the wall thickness of the post adjacent the openings so as to accommodate standard mounting hangers or hooks associated with office-type accessories or other elements to be supported on the post.
- The post according to the invention may be utilized in a space-dividing wall panel arrangement which mounts on and projects upwardly from a floor for dividing an open area into a plurality of smaller working areas. In this regard, the post is disposed in load-bearing relation with the floor and interconnects two serially-adjacent panel assemblies to one another. The post is sandwiched between the upright edges or edge frames of the respective panel assemblies so that the vertical rows of hanger-receiving openings are exposed for receiving conventional hangers associated with furniture components such as cabinets or the like. Alternatively, the post can mount thereon cover pads typically associated with stackable-type panel systems, wherein the cover pads are mounted between two adjacent upright posts by inserting the hangers or connectors disposed along the opposite upright edges of the cover pad into the openings defined in the outwardly facing sides of the adjacent horizontally-spaced posts.
- It will be appreciated that the post according to the invention may also be utilized in other types of structures which incorporate an upright support which defines at least one attachment point therealong for connection to a further load-bearing component.
- Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent to persons familiar with arrangements of this general type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view which illustrates several panel assemblies joined together to define at least part of an upright space-dividing wall system according to the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along line2-2 in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, exploded side elevational view of two adjacent panel assemblies and an intermediate support post;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary detail view of the outwardly facing side of the support post illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken generally along line5-5 in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary view illustrating a bayonet-type connection;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line7-7 in FIG. 6; and
- FIG. 8 is a diagrammatical illustration of a forming process and apparatus which may be utilized to form the post according to the present invention, which shows the process and apparatus from one side of the initially supplied steel sheet.
- Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
- Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an upright space-dividing wall system11, which system 11 is formed from a plurality of upright space-dividing
panel assemblies 12 joined together in a series arrangement to define individual workstations. Thepanel assemblies 12 are typically joined in either aligned (i.e. end-to-end) relationship, or in perpendicular relationship with end edges of twopanel assemblies 12 being disposed closely adjacent one another, such arrangements being conventional. Theindividual panel assemblies 12 typically have a height which is significantly less than floor-to-ceiling height, whereby thepanel assemblies 12 are supported on and project upwardly from the floor, with upper edges of the panel assemblies 12 being spaced downwardly a significant distance from the ceiling. The sizes of such panel assemblies 12, in terms of widths and heights, are conventional. In the illustrated space-dividing wall system 11, each pair of adjacent alignedpanel assemblies 12 is connected together by apost-type connector arrangement 13, as discussed below. - Each
panel assembly 12 has large width and height dimensions as compared to the thickness dimension thereof, and includes a generally rectangular and ring-like frame 15 defined by generally parallel and horizontally elongated top and bottom frame members orrails 20 which are rigidly joined together at opposite ends thereof by generally parallel and vertically elongated side frame members orrails 21. Theframe members side frame members 21 are illustrated and discussed below. - With reference to FIG. 2 which illustrates two adjacent
side frame members 21, eachframe member 21 includes a pair of generallyparallel side walls 23. Eachside wall 23, at an outermost edge thereof, is bent outwardly through about a 900 angle to form aflange 24 which defines the end edge of thepanel assembly 12. Theflanges 24 extend along all of theframe members flange 24 is in turn joined to a generally U-shaped shapedpart 25 which is spaced sidewardly and inwardly from therespective flange 24. U-shapedparts 25 define therein a channel orgroove 26 which extends throughout the elongated length of the respective frame member and opens outwardly. Each U-shapedpart 25 is bent over upon itself to form awall 30 generally parallel toside walls 23, and anouter wall 31 extends between and interconnects thewalls 30.Outer wall 31 andwalls 30 together define an outwardly-opening mouth or channel. - The ring-
like frame 15, as defined by theframe members core structure 32 which fills the interior of frame 15 (FIG. 2). Thecore structure 32 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a sheet of paper or expanded honeycomb, although other conventional core materials can be utilized if desired. Theframe 15 andcore structure 32 are sandwiched between a pair of plate-like side members 33, the latter being of generally rectangular configuration so as to cover substantially the entire opposite sides of thepanel assembly 12. Theside members 33 directly overlie and are preferably adhesively secured to opposite side surfaces of theframe members 20 and 21 (i.e. side walls 23) andcore structure 32, with the edges of theside members 33 being confined generally within the rim defined by theflanges 24, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Theseflanges 24 project sidewardly through a distance which substantially corresponds to the thickness of theside members 33. - The plate-
like side members 33 in the illustrated embodiment are of a one-piece lamina of what is conventionally referred to as mineral or fiberboard. This fiberboard provides a relatively rigid and stiff lamina but possesses physical properties which enable it to function in a highly desirable manner as a tack board. The fiberboard additionally provides desirable acoustical properties, and specifically sound-absorption properties. Theside members 33 are preferably covered by a thin layer of fiberglass (not shown), typically of lesser thickness than theside member 33, which fiberglass layer extends over the outer surface of theside member 33. - The
panel assembly 12 is additionally provided with exterior coverings over the laminate defined by theside members 33 and the fiberglass layers, which coverings in the illustrated embodiment comprise large sheets of thin butflexible fabric 34 which are stretched across and entirely cover the outer vertical side faces of the panel assembly. Thisfabric sheet 34 hasedge portions 35 which wrap exteriorly around each of theframe member flanges 24 and fold into thegroove 26, with thefabric edge portion 35 being suitably secured withingroove 26 by a retainingelement 40, as is conventional. - As shown in FIG. 1, the top of the
panel assembly 12 can have atop cap 41 which spans the width of the top edge of thepanel assembly 12 and closes off the mouth defined therein. The lower edge of thepanel assembly 12 may also include a raceway arrangement 42 which defines an interior channel and extends lengthwise along the lower edge of therespective panel assembly 12. It will be appreciated that cabling may be stored or disposed within this interior channel of the raceway arrangement 42, and also within the hollow areas of the top andside frame members - Considering now the
post-type connector arrangement 13, thisarrangement 13 includes a vertically elongate and generally tubular support element or post 51, which is designed to connect between theside frame members 21 of twoadjacent panel assemblies 12 as discussed below. Thepost 51 in the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of generallyparallel side walls 52 which face the respectiveside frame members 21 of two seriallyadjacent panel assemblies 12 when thepost 51 is interposed therebetween, and twoface walls 53 which extend transversely between and interconnect theside walls 52. Each of theside walls 52 define therein a pair of vertically spacedopenings 54 at least adjacent the upper ends thereof (FIG. 5). Theopenings 54 in theopposed side walls 52 are horizontally aligned with one another and are utilized to interconnect therespective panel assemblies 12 to thepost 51 as discussed further below. - As shown in FIG. 3, the
post 51 has a lower end orfoot 55 which mounts thereon a pair of arms orconnectors 56 which extend outwardly and upwardly from therespective side walls 52 of thepost 51. Theseconnectors 56 respectively define generally horizontally extending and upwardly openingchannels 57 on opposite sides of thepost 51. Thelower end 55 additionally includes a downwardly projectingrod 57A having its lower end fixed to an enlarged foot or glide 58 adapted for direct supportive engagement with the floor. Therod 57A can threadingly engage within an opening in thefoot 55 so as to allow for height adjustment of thepost 51 relative to theglide 58. - A panel lock or
connector 59 is supported on each of thepanel assemblies 12 adjacent the upper corners thereof, as shown in FIG. 3. - To secure two or
more panel assemblies 12 in aligned series relationship as shown in FIG. 1, asingle connector post 51 is provided and cooperates directly between the adjacent upright end edges of twopanel assemblies 12 to rigidly join same to one another. The lower corners of thepanel assemblies 12 are seated within therespective channels 57 offoot 55 and the upper edges of thepanel assemblies 12 are secured to therespective side walls 52 ofpost 51 by the panel locks 59. The attachment of therespective panel assemblies 12 to theconnector post 51 is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,485 (which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein). It will be appreciated that other types of connections may be utilized to securepanel assemblies 12 to post 51. - With each pair of aligned
panel assemblies 12 joined through asingle connector post 51, thepost 51 is sandwiched within a generally rectangular opening defined by the sidewardly opening mouths of the respectiveside frame members 21 of the twoadjacent panel assemblies 12 so as to be effectively hidden between thepanel assemblies 12, the latter having the vertical end edges thereof disposed closely adjacent and separated from one another by a vertically extending clearance gap orslot 60, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In this regard, theface walls 53 ofpost 51 each define therein a plurality of slot-like openings 61 extending therethrough and providing access into the hollow interior ofpost 51. The slot-like openings 61 are vertically elongated and are vertically spaced from one another along substantially the entire vertical extent ofpost 51, and eachopening 61 is defined by a pair of upright and generally parallel side edges 67 and a pair of generally horizontal and generally parallel top andbottom edges 68 which extend transversely between the respective side edges 67. With thepost 51 interposed betweenadjacent panel assemblies 12 as discussed above, thegap 60 is directly aligned with the slot-like openings 61 provided in thesupport post 51 so that conventional hangers 69 (see FIG. 5) associated with furniture components or accessories such as cabinets can be positioned adjacent the side surface of thepanel assembly 12, with thehangers 69 of the accessory projecting through thegap 60 for engagement within correspondingopenings 61. As such, the weight of the components is transmitted directly to thepanel connecting posts 51 which in turn directly supportingly engage the floor, and hence the weight or load of the accessories is not imposed on thepanel assemblies 12. - FIG. 1 illustrates a
conventional shelf unit 70 which may be utilized with the present invention. The illustratedshelf unit 70 includes a pair ofupright end walls 71 and a generally horizontally orientedshelf 72 which extends between and interconnects theend walls 71. The rearwardly facing sides of each of theend walls 71 mount thereonhangers 69 which project rearwardly and are vertically spaced from one another as shown in FIG. 5. Thehangers 69 of theshelf unit 70 at each end thereof engage within correspondingopenings 61 of two seriallyadjacent posts 51 so that theshelf unit 70 extends transversely between theposts 51 and is positioned so as to project sidewardly from the vertical side surface of thepanel assembly 12. It will be appreciated that other components may be mounted onpanel assembly 12, such as a worksurface or a cabinet. These components would be mounted in a manner similar to that described above with respect toshelf unit 70. - With reference to FIGS.4-7, the
post 51 according to the invention incorporates therein an improved arrangement which provides reinforcement at or adjacent the load-bearing areas therealong. More specifically, thepost 51 defines dimples ordeformed areas 75 therein which extend transversely across both the upper andlower edges 68 of eachopening 61. As shown in FIG. 5, the inward deformation or dimpling of the material of theface wall 53 of thepost 51 results in inwardly projectingribs 76 which extend transversely across theface wall 53 along the top andbottom edges 68 of each slot-like opening 61. Theribs 76 project inwardly into the hollow interior of thepost 51, and thus a transversely extendingrecess 77 is defined along the outer side of thepost 51 opposite each of theribs 76. In the preferred embodiment, thedimples 75 extend sidewardly beyond the vertical side edges 67 of each of therespective openings 61, and eachdimple 75 has a horizontal length which is significantly greater than half of the horizontal width of thepost 51 as measured between vertical edges of therespective face walls 53 thereof. - The inwardly projecting
ribs 76 effectively increase the wall thickness A (FIG. 5) of therespective face walls 53 along the upper and lower edges of each of theopenings 61, and the thickness A is approximately twice as great as the thickness of the post in non-dimpled areas. In this regard, the post illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,485 has a greater wall thickness at the slot-like openings due to the double-wall construction of the post adjacent these openings, as discussed above. Thus, thepost 51 provided with the dimples according to the invention has a wall thickness adjacent theopenings 61 which is equivalent to the post of the '485 patent, which allows thepost 51 to accommodate the slot width ofstandardized accessory hangers 69. - It will be appreciated that the
post 51 pursuant to the invention is also suitable for attachment topanel assemblies 12 of different heights, simply by providing additional pairs of upper andlower openings 54 inpost 51 at the appropriate height to accommodate standard panel heights. - The
post 51 according to the invention may also be utilized with stackable-type panel systems, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,349,516 and 5,806, 258, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. The panel system disclosed in the '516 patent includes at least one base panel which is supported on opposite ends thereof by a pair of upright lower support posts. To increase the height of the wall, one or more extension panel assemblies are stacked atop the base panel. More specifically, in order to build up a base panel, a pair of extension posts or poles are coaxially inserted within open upper ends of the respective lower support posts, and a cross rail is connected between the spaced-apart pair of extension posts. Cover pads are then mounted to the frame defined by the support posts and cross rails. The lower ends of the extension posts each define thereon a bayonet-type connector which engages within the open upper end of the lower support post such that the extension post extends upwardly therefrom. - It will be appreciated that the
post 51 according to the invention may be utilized as a lower support post in a stackable-type system, or as an extension post. In the latter case, thefoot 55 would obviously be omitted and a bayonet connector provided in place thereof. - More specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates a pair of vertically-stacked
posts dimples 75 according to the invention, wherein theposts upper post 51A mounts thereon abayonet connector 80 defined by a pair of generally parallel and downwardly projectingflanges 81. Theflanges 81 ofconnector 80 extend downwardly into the open upper end oflower post 51B so that same are generally parallel to therespective side walls 52 oflower post 51B and extend transversely between theribs 76 of theopposed face walls 53 thereof. FIG. 6 also illustrates a pair ofcams 82 provided at the upper ends of therespective flanges 81 which serve to align the upper andlower posts flanges 81 ofupper post 51A within thelower post 51B so that theflanges 81 are correctly positioned between theopposed ribs 76 oflower post 51B. In this regard, the inward projection ofribs 76 and also the transverse extension of each of thedimples 75 across the majority of the width of therespective face walls 53 permits snug engagement of thebayonet connector 80 of theupper post 51A withinlower post 51B. - The slot-
like openings 61 ofpost 51 can be utilized for mounting hooks or hangers associated with the cross rail of the extension panel assembly illustrated in the '516 and '258 patents, and also to mount hooks associated with cover pads which are typically utilized in stackable-type panel arrangements, such as that illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 6,256,941, also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - It will also be understood that for certain applications, it may be necessary to include a deformation or
dimple 75 adjacent only one edge of the slot-like opening 61, for example the lower edge. However, providingdimples 75 adjacent both the upper andlower edges 68 of theopenings 61 can simplify assembly, in that no particular attention need be paid to the specific orientation of the post. Further, in many wall panel systems, panel-mountable components, and specifically those required to bear significant loads (i.e. worksurfaces), often include an uppermost hanger which includes both downwardly and upwardly projecting hooks thereon (see FIG. 5). The upwardly projecting hook on the uppermost hanger is intended to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the component from the panel due to an upwardly directed force. Because both the upper and lower hooks of the uppermost hanger engage the face wall of thepost 51, dimpling at the upper and lower edges of theopenings 61 is desirable. - It will be understood that the
post 51 according to the invention may be utilized in arrangements other than a space-dividing wall system. For example, the post may form part of a rack or shelf system, or in scaffolding arrangements which typically utilize upright supports which in turn permit attachment of horizontal supports thereto. The instant invention may also be utilized in temporary-type enclosed structures, such as stands, booths, etc. - The
post 51 according to the invention is a one-piece, roll-formed tube having a continuous sidewall construction as defined by the side and facewalls post 51 has a thinner wall due to the continuous wall construction preferably formed in one-piece by being roll-formed from thin flat sheet steel, thedimples 75 provide thepost 51 with increased strength and rigidity at the load-bearingopenings 61. - The elongate tubular post of the present invention is preferably formed from a flat steel sheet utilizing a roll forming process, as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 8, so that the resulting tubular post hence is of substantially uniform thickness throughout and yet is free of or has only minimal internal stresses of the type which result from more conventional metal stamping or die forming processes typically used to form posts of this type. It will be appreciated that the post according to the invention has a uniform wall thickness throughout, and as shown in FIG. 5, the wall thickness of the post at the dimpled areas is uniform with the wall thickness in non-dimpled areas.
- Referring to FIG. 8, there is typically provided a
supply station 101 for supplying sheet steel, preferably a substantially continuous and elongate strip of sheet steel S. The sheet steel atsupply station 101 is typically provided in the form of aconventional coil 102 wherein the sheet steel is effectively spirally wound, with the coil being appropriately rotatably supported on aconventional coil stand 103. The thin and relatively flexible sheet steel S is withdrawn from thecoil 102 by adrive device 104, which can also function to effect straightening of the sheet steel. Afurther drive device 105 is spaced downstream from thedrive 104 and is separated therefrom to define atakeup region 106 which enables a suspended loop of sheet metal to be formed therebetween to compensate for different driving speeds of the sheet metal by thedrives drive device 105 in turn drives the sheet steel S into and through a workingstation 107, such as a punch press or the like, which effects forming of all openings and notches, as well as any cuts or slits, in the flat sheet S. The steel sheet S is momentarily stopped during closure of thepunch press 107 so that this press simultaneously effects forming of all of the openings and notches associated with the entire post, and in addition effects forming of thedimples 75 adjacent the opposite edges of the slot-like openings 61. - Upon opening of the
punch press 107, the sheet steel S is advanced toward a conventional roll-formingmill 112 which includes a plurality of sequential rollingstations 113 disposed in adjacent relationship along the downstream moving direction of the sheet S. Eachstation 113 typically includes opposed upper and lower forming rollers which engage opposite sides of the sheet S to progressively deform the sheet S from its flat condition into the desired three-dimensional shape or profile. The roll-formingmill 112 with its rollers pulls the sheet steel S into and through the rollingstations 113 at a substantially constant rate and the intermittent driving of the sheet S upstream of thepunch press 107 bydrive device 105 causes the formation of afurther takeup loop 111 betweenpunch press 107 and rollingmill 112. In the present invention the rollingmill 112 progressively deforms the sheet which, when fed into the first station of the mill is of a relatively flat sheet-like configuration, into a three-dimensional configuration which, upon leaving the mill, has a generally closed tubular cross-section or profile substantially as described above. The formed, nonflat three-dimensional profile as it departs the rolling mill is designated P in FIG. 8 since the steel sheet is no longer flat. - Upon departing the rolling
mill 112, the formed three-dimensional profile P having a substantially tubular cross-section is then fed continuously into and through awelding station 114 which effects forming of a continuous seam weld along the abutting edges of the roll-formed closed tubular profile, which seam is preferably positioned in the vicinity of one of the corners of the profile. The welded profile P is then forwarded in a continuous manner into and through asurface treating station 115, which may effect either painting or powder coating of the continuous profile P as it moves into and through thestation 115. Such surface treating equipment is conventional and well known. The painted or coated continuous profile P is then moved in a continuous manner into a cuttingstation 116 which sequentially causes the continuous profile P to be transversely cut or severed into individual elongate workpieces which define the desired finished post. - With the process of this invention as briefly described above, a large number of identical posts can be rapidly and efficiently formed with a high degree of accuracy, and at the same time the closed tubular configuration of the post provides desirable strength and rigidity while permitting the wall thickness of the post to be minimized, thereby providing economy of manufacture. When a post of a different length is desired, then the
punch press 107 is adjusted so as to permit punching of a profile corresponding to a post of desired length, with the remainder of the process being otherwise identical to the process as summarized above. Thepunch press 107 can be defined by a plurality of modules which can be readily connected or disconnected so as to define a punching pattern corresponding to a family of different post lengths. - Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.
Claims (25)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/134,043 US6748997B2 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2002-04-26 | Reinforced support element for wall panel arrangement |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/134,043 US6748997B2 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2002-04-26 | Reinforced support element for wall panel arrangement |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030201075A1 true US20030201075A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 |
US6748997B2 US6748997B2 (en) | 2004-06-15 |
Family
ID=29249127
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/134,043 Expired - Lifetime US6748997B2 (en) | 2002-04-26 | 2002-04-26 | Reinforced support element for wall panel arrangement |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6748997B2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7276587B2 (en) | 1999-08-20 | 2007-10-02 | Chiron Corporation | Antibodies to EGFH2 polypeptides |
US9920529B2 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2018-03-20 | Joseph C. Fleming, III | Method and system for interconnecting structural panels |
US10927545B2 (en) | 2010-05-05 | 2021-02-23 | Allsteel Inc. | Modular wall system |
US11221031B1 (en) * | 2020-10-15 | 2022-01-11 | Essepi S.R.L. | Joint member for panels |
US20220154458A1 (en) * | 2019-03-06 | 2022-05-19 | Trieste Group One Ltd | A booth |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7614196B2 (en) * | 2002-10-09 | 2009-11-10 | Haworth, Inc. | Pad for wall panel and forming process |
US10105890B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2018-10-23 | Kevin P. Kelly | Modular wall system |
WO2007089826A2 (en) * | 2006-01-31 | 2007-08-09 | Kelly Kevin P | Modular wall system |
US7707795B2 (en) * | 2006-11-09 | 2010-05-04 | Haworth, Inc. | Wall panel with gusseted open frame |
US20100213334A1 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2010-08-26 | John Davenport | Shelf mounting system |
US8092112B2 (en) * | 2007-12-18 | 2012-01-10 | Haworth, Inc. | Dowel assembly for a furniture system |
US20090313935A1 (en) * | 2008-06-24 | 2009-12-24 | Environmental Interiors, Inc. | High Impact, Moisture Resistant Wall Panel System |
WO2015016958A2 (en) * | 2013-02-26 | 2015-02-05 | Richard Steven Trela | An apparatus for rapidly erecting a stable structure by combining the framing, wall paneling and finish steps into one simultaneous construction action. |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3168200A (en) * | 1962-11-26 | 1965-02-02 | Parker Metal Goods Company | Tubular display stand having removable article supports |
US3349535A (en) * | 1964-04-15 | 1967-10-31 | United States Gypsum Co | Structural member with an x configuration web |
US3452959A (en) * | 1967-08-31 | 1969-07-01 | Sadao Ishikawa | Combinational plastic hanger-board construction |
US3602472A (en) * | 1968-11-26 | 1971-08-31 | Anthony J Smyth Tyrrell | Shelf supports |
US3733755A (en) * | 1971-02-25 | 1973-05-22 | Snaith Inc W | Bracket standard and base rail system |
US3791528A (en) * | 1972-08-07 | 1974-02-12 | American Sterilizer Co | Enclosure structure for modular system |
US3908831A (en) * | 1972-08-07 | 1975-09-30 | American Sterilizer Co | Modular storage system |
USRE31733E (en) * | 1975-09-22 | 1984-11-13 | Haworth Mfg., Inc. | Wall panel with prewired power system |
US5795501A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1998-08-18 | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Electrically-conductive composition |
US6112485A (en) * | 1998-11-04 | 2000-09-05 | Haworth, Inc. | Post-panel connector arrangement |
US6256941B1 (en) * | 1999-06-04 | 2001-07-10 | Haworth, Inc. | Pad for panel |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4086978A (en) | 1976-10-22 | 1978-05-02 | Clements Lawrence H | Built-in scaffold support |
-
2002
- 2002-04-26 US US10/134,043 patent/US6748997B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3168200A (en) * | 1962-11-26 | 1965-02-02 | Parker Metal Goods Company | Tubular display stand having removable article supports |
US3349535A (en) * | 1964-04-15 | 1967-10-31 | United States Gypsum Co | Structural member with an x configuration web |
US3452959A (en) * | 1967-08-31 | 1969-07-01 | Sadao Ishikawa | Combinational plastic hanger-board construction |
US3602472A (en) * | 1968-11-26 | 1971-08-31 | Anthony J Smyth Tyrrell | Shelf supports |
US3733755A (en) * | 1971-02-25 | 1973-05-22 | Snaith Inc W | Bracket standard and base rail system |
US3791528A (en) * | 1972-08-07 | 1974-02-12 | American Sterilizer Co | Enclosure structure for modular system |
US3908831A (en) * | 1972-08-07 | 1975-09-30 | American Sterilizer Co | Modular storage system |
USRE31733E (en) * | 1975-09-22 | 1984-11-13 | Haworth Mfg., Inc. | Wall panel with prewired power system |
US5795501A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1998-08-18 | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Electrically-conductive composition |
US6112485A (en) * | 1998-11-04 | 2000-09-05 | Haworth, Inc. | Post-panel connector arrangement |
US6256941B1 (en) * | 1999-06-04 | 2001-07-10 | Haworth, Inc. | Pad for panel |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7276587B2 (en) | 1999-08-20 | 2007-10-02 | Chiron Corporation | Antibodies to EGFH2 polypeptides |
US9920529B2 (en) * | 2009-08-31 | 2018-03-20 | Joseph C. Fleming, III | Method and system for interconnecting structural panels |
US10253496B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2019-04-09 | Joseph C. Fleming, III | Method and system for interconnecting structural panels |
US10794059B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2020-10-06 | Joseph C. Fleming, III | Method and system for interconnecting structural panels |
US11585090B2 (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2023-02-21 | Joseph C. Fleming, III | Method and system for interconnecting structural panels |
US10927545B2 (en) | 2010-05-05 | 2021-02-23 | Allsteel Inc. | Modular wall system |
US11725382B2 (en) | 2010-05-05 | 2023-08-15 | Allsteel Inc. | Modular wall system |
US20220154458A1 (en) * | 2019-03-06 | 2022-05-19 | Trieste Group One Ltd | A booth |
US11221031B1 (en) * | 2020-10-15 | 2022-01-11 | Essepi S.R.L. | Joint member for panels |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6748997B2 (en) | 2004-06-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6748997B2 (en) | Reinforced support element for wall panel arrangement | |
US6112472A (en) | Integrated furniture system including overhead framework system and partition system | |
US3971477A (en) | Framing and modular base unit structure for display fixtures | |
US7165360B2 (en) | Modular room system and method | |
US4631881A (en) | Office screens and partitions | |
US6164467A (en) | Free-standing modular slat-wall system | |
AU702876B2 (en) | Partition system | |
US4324076A (en) | Wall units | |
US6266935B1 (en) | Floor channel for partition system | |
US7543538B2 (en) | Overhead storage system | |
US6711871B2 (en) | Wall panel with off-module components | |
US5003740A (en) | Open office system partition panel assembly | |
US3425171A (en) | Space divider system | |
WO1997030612A9 (en) | Free-standing modular slat-wall system | |
CA2976565C (en) | Wall panel system | |
US20070284062A1 (en) | Paneling system | |
EP0569567A1 (en) | Modular panel wall structure. | |
US9783984B2 (en) | Ceiling mounting system and related method | |
NZ235275A (en) | Cantilever shelving supported by double channel uprights | |
US10258157B2 (en) | Functional rail and worksurface support | |
US8387339B2 (en) | Adjustable wall support system and method | |
US4581859A (en) | Wall stud for simplified assembly | |
EP0005901A2 (en) | Wall unit for use in the storage and/or display of articles, and structure incorporating such a unit | |
AU580570B2 (en) | Elongate support member and panel | |
JPH0756407Y2 (en) | Partition device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HAWORTH, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:FRICANO, NICHOLAS J.;DIXON, RICHARD;SMITH, MARK R.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:013272/0098;SIGNING DATES FROM 20020828 TO 20020830 Owner name: INNOTEC CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:FRICANO, NICHOLAS J.;DIXON, RICHARD;SMITH, MARK R.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:013272/0098;SIGNING DATES FROM 20020828 TO 20020830 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
CC | Certificate of correction | ||
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FIFTH THIRD BANK, MICHIGAN Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:INNOTEC, CORP.;REEL/FRAME:025830/0029 Effective date: 20110102 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., MICHIGAN Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:INNOTEC, CORP. D/B/A INNOTEC, INC.;ILH, L.L.C.;REEL/FRAME:027232/0101 Effective date: 20111110 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INNOTEC, CORP. D/B/A INNOTEC, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: TERMINATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:FIFTH THIRD BANK;REEL/FRAME:027250/0286 Effective date: 20111114 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE Free format text: COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT OF PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:HAWORTH, INC., HAWORTH, LTD. AND SUCCESSORS;REEL/FRAME:032606/0875 Effective date: 20140403 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HAWORTH, LTD., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:052788/0497 Effective date: 20200528 Owner name: HAWORTH, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:052788/0497 Effective date: 20200528 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CIBC BANK USA, ILLINOIS Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INNOTEC, CORP.;REEL/FRAME:054290/0669 Effective date: 20201030 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PNC BANK, PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT OF PATENTS;ASSIGNORS:HAWORTH, INC.;AFFORDABLE INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:062078/0770 Effective date: 20221129 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INNOTEC, CORP., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:CIBC BANK USA;REEL/FRAME:066434/0140 Effective date: 20240131 |